PLEASE READ - Constant Contact
The Valley of Syracuse is beginning to use Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Please keep an eye out for these emails and if they go to your spam or trash folder, please change its status to not spam and send it to your inbox. Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe! We are beginning to send out emails already so please be on the lookout for them.
Calendar
November 2025
Nov 3 “ZOOM” Meetings: 6:15 p.m. Trustees / 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee
Nov 10 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 17 Confer 17º (V) & 18º (L)
Refreshments Follow Degree
Nov 27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
December 2025
Dec 8 Executive Committee Meeting on Zoom 7:00 p.m.
Dec 15 Holiday Celebration Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 30 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:30 a.m.
Consistory
Greetings Princes: Well, the 2025 Scottish Rite is off to a Great Start in the Valley of Syracuse!
November 3rd the Executive Committee will begin its meetings via Zoom for the winter months for safety purposes. As we begin to slow down a bit during the pending winter months there are only two major events scheduled for November. On November 10th we will host our annual Veterans Recognition night. I am asking for all Princes and their Ladies to plan on attending this important evening to have a great dinner and honor our Veterans. I am currently working on the program. I have asked the Masonic War Veterans to Present the Colors as the program opens, share a few music videos and Veterans poems, and if they accept my request have “Guitars 4 Vets” come and play a few songs and talk about their program. “Guitars 4 Vets” is an organization near Fort Drum that helps Veterans Heal through the power of Music. November will end with the Chapter of Rose Croix conferring the 17th Degree via Video and a live portrayal of the 18th Degree. The Rose Croix Degrees are among my favorites and I’m sure the Chapter under the leadership of the Most Wise Master Richard Fifield and his team will present a great night.
As you can see the executive committee is working hard to make your Scottish Rite experience truly top notch. Come join in and share the experience with us!! On a Last note, we have been challenged by Supreme Council to bring in 17 new Members. I know each of us know a solid Masonic Brother who would benefit form the Scottish Rite Experience. I challenge you to plan on bringing a worthy Brother with his Lady to our January 12th Spring Membership Dinner.
Journey On, my Beloved Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Chapter of Rose Croix literally means ‘rose cross’ and is derived from the symbol of the order of the Rosicrucians, a mystical and philosophical order that emerged in the early 17th century, focusing on esoteric wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and the study of natural laws. The degrees conferred within the Chapter of Rose Croix, the 17° and 18° are known for being among the most intellectually stimulating within the body of Freemasonry exploring the themes of philosophy, religion, ethics, and more. The 17° and 18° are also known as the “Philosophical” or “Doctrinal” Degrees of the Scottish Rite. One can argue that the lessons conveyed in the Chapter of Rose Croix are more advanced than those taught in in Symbolic Lodge and the preceding Scottish Rite Degrees.
The 17th Degree - Knight of the East and West dramatizes a depiction of human failure and social and moral behavior. It teaches that loyalty to God should be Man's primary allegiance and that we must seek truth in our way of life while learning not to repeat the errors of the past. The core values of this degree are Reverence for God & Service to Humanity.
18th Degree - Knight of the Rose Croix of H. R. D. M.: In this degree, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth are used to exemplify the universal principles of life. The core lesson is to be virtuous, endeavor to eliminate vice, and practice tolerance and love, particularly as it relates to the faith and creed of others. The 18° teaches that life and its strengths come from God. The Core Value of this degree is Integrity.
I must emphasize that while the settings of these degrees may be Christian, their meaning should be interpreted based on the faith of the individual.
The Chapter of Rose Croix will present our degrees on November 17th . The 17th degree will be by video and the 18th degree will be live. I look forward to seeing you there!
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Brothers from the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Syracuse. Looking forward to the near future we will be hosting the Holiday Celebration on December 15 th at the Masonic Memorial Center. This is going to be a don’t miss celebration with music performed by Cam Caruso. If you know him, you love him, if you don’t know him, you will look forward to seeing him again. Celebration starts at 6pm, dinner at 6:30 followed by the entertainment. Bring the spouse and celebrate with us!
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day Brothers! I am writing to you just coming off the 4 th and 11 th degree in September, and I will say I am very proud of the work we did to pull off the 11th degree LIVE for everyone! As I said in the meeting, there is great value to seeing them live, in person and right in front of you vs. watching these on video. Thank you again to all of those on the cast who gave up their time and helped pull this off! When you receive this, we will be finished with the degrees in October, along with the awards dinner etc. I hope you all have a great thanksgiving later in November. Looking forward to seeing you all at the meetings coming up, please be well!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Dolly Byard Wife of our Commander in Chief Terry has a cerebrospinal Fluid leak in her brain with bad headaches. She is at home recovering, Brother Dan Lort is having health issues, Steve and Jean Madax are both having some health issues Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Brother Doug Story is now residing at Pounder Hall at the OES Home in Oriskany after several stays in the hospital for surgery and at the Masonic Care Community for rehab. He has had heart and other health related issues. Plus, we need to keep Ill Sandy Samson in our prayers as he continues to have health problems.
If you want to make a donation to any Brother in need you can do so through the Hospitaler Fund and noting the person for it to go to.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
As we move into November, we reflect with gratitude on a wonderful Dyslexia Awareness Month. October was filled with opportunities to spread understanding, build awareness, and celebrate the achievements of our amazing students at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center.
Our new students have now completed approximately 12 lessons. Around lessons 20 to 30, students often start to notice the difference themselves—and the process isn’t quite as hard. It’s an exciting stage that reminds us how powerful consistent, evidence- based instruction can be. Our returning students continue to advance in their learning with growing skill and determination, inspiring us all with their dedication.
Throughout October, we participated in local initiatives to highlight the importance of early identification and evidence-based instruction for children with dyslexia—a message that remains central to our mission year-round. Events included our annual Walkathon, a booth at a school/community carnival, and an evening speaking engagement.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re especially mindful of the generosity and dedication that sustain our work. Each lesson, each breakthrough, and each child’s growing confidence is made possible by the commitment of our board members, tutors, families, volunteers, and donors. Your continued support allows us to open doors of opportunity for children with dyslexia—helping them discover not only the joy of reading but the confidence to succeed in all areas of life.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Burns Supper
It's that time again!!! The 2026 BURNS SUPPER will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at Coleman's Irish Pub,100 South Lowell Avenue, Syracuse, NY
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems and a famous Freemason. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year. Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, Masonic Lodges, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry.
Social Time will begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be buffet style and cost will be $47.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited. This event is open to all but seating is limited so make your reservation now! Kilts and other Tartan clothing are encouraged!!!
Please consider joining us for a fun filled evening! Just print & fill out the registration flyer that can be found on our website in the News section & Make your check out to the Central City Bodies AASR and mail to Richard Powell, 4717 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215. Be sure to write "KSA Burns Supper" in the memo area of your check. Reservations are due by January 1st, 2026.
Happy Thanksgiving
Family Celebrations are important to all of us. Thanksgiving is a festive time for Families to gather together to give thanks and blessings for the bounty we all enjoy.
Many college students are home for their first break from studies. Parents and Grandparents gather around the “Harvest Table” with their families for the traditional Thanksgiving Feast.
The Valley Office Staff; Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Jim Swan, Valley Secretary; on behalf of all Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Officers and Members in the Valley of Syracuse wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
May peace and goodwill be the toast of this special Day. Please take care when you travel to be with your families and have a safe Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
The Office
Blue Envelope Appeal
You recently received the annual “Blue Envelope Appeal” letter from Supreme Council requesting your annual contribution. I urge you to support this request. Any contribution you may make is significant because the number of members from a valley that contribute to the “Blue Envelope Appeal” directly impacts distribution of the Abbott Scholarship Funds and to the Valley’s ranking in the Supreme Council “Valley of Excellence” initiative.
Abbott Scholarships funded by Supreme Council, NMJ or a New York State Educational Financial Assistance Grant funded by the New York State Scottish Rite Charities Corporation are assisting fifty-three (53) students across the Jurisdiction of New York during the 2025-2026 academic year; Nine (9) are children or grandchildren of the Valley of Syracuse’s current and deceased members.
These young people are our future. We thank you for your support of the “Blue Envelope Appeal”.
Scholarships
Supreme Council. NMJ Abbott Scholarship and NY Council of Deliberation Scottish Rite Financial Education Financial Assistance applications are scheduled to be available on line in the coming weeks; normally prior to end of November 2025. Information received to date indicates one application for both scholarships will be used again this year.
The exact due date for the next year’s submittals is not confirmed to date. It is recommended that you plan to complete your applications and submit them to the Valley of Syracuse office no later than April 1, 2026.
Watch for notices from the Valley of Syracuse and the New York Council of Deliberation to be available on the Valley and NYCOD Web sites listed below or go on line to Supreme Council to answer your questions.
NY Council of Deliberation — www.nysccottishritemasons.org or Valley of Syracuse — www. syr-aasr.org
Be prepared!
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2026 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed direct to you from Supreme Council. There is a dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00). Please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
The Valley of Syracuse is beginning to use Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Please keep an eye out for these emails and if they go to your spam or trash folder, please change its status to not spam and send it to your inbox. Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe! We are beginning to send out emails already so please be on the lookout for them.
Calendar
November 2025
Nov 3 “ZOOM” Meetings: 6:15 p.m. Trustees / 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee
Nov 10 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 17 Confer 17º (V) & 18º (L)
Refreshments Follow Degree
Nov 27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
December 2025
Dec 8 Executive Committee Meeting on Zoom 7:00 p.m.
Dec 15 Holiday Celebration Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 30 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:30 a.m.
Consistory
Greetings Princes: Well, the 2025 Scottish Rite is off to a Great Start in the Valley of Syracuse!
November 3rd the Executive Committee will begin its meetings via Zoom for the winter months for safety purposes. As we begin to slow down a bit during the pending winter months there are only two major events scheduled for November. On November 10th we will host our annual Veterans Recognition night. I am asking for all Princes and their Ladies to plan on attending this important evening to have a great dinner and honor our Veterans. I am currently working on the program. I have asked the Masonic War Veterans to Present the Colors as the program opens, share a few music videos and Veterans poems, and if they accept my request have “Guitars 4 Vets” come and play a few songs and talk about their program. “Guitars 4 Vets” is an organization near Fort Drum that helps Veterans Heal through the power of Music. November will end with the Chapter of Rose Croix conferring the 17th Degree via Video and a live portrayal of the 18th Degree. The Rose Croix Degrees are among my favorites and I’m sure the Chapter under the leadership of the Most Wise Master Richard Fifield and his team will present a great night.
As you can see the executive committee is working hard to make your Scottish Rite experience truly top notch. Come join in and share the experience with us!! On a Last note, we have been challenged by Supreme Council to bring in 17 new Members. I know each of us know a solid Masonic Brother who would benefit form the Scottish Rite Experience. I challenge you to plan on bringing a worthy Brother with his Lady to our January 12th Spring Membership Dinner.
Journey On, my Beloved Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Chapter of Rose Croix literally means ‘rose cross’ and is derived from the symbol of the order of the Rosicrucians, a mystical and philosophical order that emerged in the early 17th century, focusing on esoteric wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and the study of natural laws. The degrees conferred within the Chapter of Rose Croix, the 17° and 18° are known for being among the most intellectually stimulating within the body of Freemasonry exploring the themes of philosophy, religion, ethics, and more. The 17° and 18° are also known as the “Philosophical” or “Doctrinal” Degrees of the Scottish Rite. One can argue that the lessons conveyed in the Chapter of Rose Croix are more advanced than those taught in in Symbolic Lodge and the preceding Scottish Rite Degrees.
The 17th Degree - Knight of the East and West dramatizes a depiction of human failure and social and moral behavior. It teaches that loyalty to God should be Man's primary allegiance and that we must seek truth in our way of life while learning not to repeat the errors of the past. The core values of this degree are Reverence for God & Service to Humanity.
18th Degree - Knight of the Rose Croix of H. R. D. M.: In this degree, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth are used to exemplify the universal principles of life. The core lesson is to be virtuous, endeavor to eliminate vice, and practice tolerance and love, particularly as it relates to the faith and creed of others. The 18° teaches that life and its strengths come from God. The Core Value of this degree is Integrity.
I must emphasize that while the settings of these degrees may be Christian, their meaning should be interpreted based on the faith of the individual.
The Chapter of Rose Croix will present our degrees on November 17th . The 17th degree will be by video and the 18th degree will be live. I look forward to seeing you there!
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Brothers from the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Syracuse. Looking forward to the near future we will be hosting the Holiday Celebration on December 15 th at the Masonic Memorial Center. This is going to be a don’t miss celebration with music performed by Cam Caruso. If you know him, you love him, if you don’t know him, you will look forward to seeing him again. Celebration starts at 6pm, dinner at 6:30 followed by the entertainment. Bring the spouse and celebrate with us!
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day Brothers! I am writing to you just coming off the 4 th and 11 th degree in September, and I will say I am very proud of the work we did to pull off the 11th degree LIVE for everyone! As I said in the meeting, there is great value to seeing them live, in person and right in front of you vs. watching these on video. Thank you again to all of those on the cast who gave up their time and helped pull this off! When you receive this, we will be finished with the degrees in October, along with the awards dinner etc. I hope you all have a great thanksgiving later in November. Looking forward to seeing you all at the meetings coming up, please be well!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Dolly Byard Wife of our Commander in Chief Terry has a cerebrospinal Fluid leak in her brain with bad headaches. She is at home recovering, Brother Dan Lort is having health issues, Steve and Jean Madax are both having some health issues Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Brother Doug Story is now residing at Pounder Hall at the OES Home in Oriskany after several stays in the hospital for surgery and at the Masonic Care Community for rehab. He has had heart and other health related issues. Plus, we need to keep Ill Sandy Samson in our prayers as he continues to have health problems.
If you want to make a donation to any Brother in need you can do so through the Hospitaler Fund and noting the person for it to go to.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
As we move into November, we reflect with gratitude on a wonderful Dyslexia Awareness Month. October was filled with opportunities to spread understanding, build awareness, and celebrate the achievements of our amazing students at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center.
Our new students have now completed approximately 12 lessons. Around lessons 20 to 30, students often start to notice the difference themselves—and the process isn’t quite as hard. It’s an exciting stage that reminds us how powerful consistent, evidence- based instruction can be. Our returning students continue to advance in their learning with growing skill and determination, inspiring us all with their dedication.
Throughout October, we participated in local initiatives to highlight the importance of early identification and evidence-based instruction for children with dyslexia—a message that remains central to our mission year-round. Events included our annual Walkathon, a booth at a school/community carnival, and an evening speaking engagement.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re especially mindful of the generosity and dedication that sustain our work. Each lesson, each breakthrough, and each child’s growing confidence is made possible by the commitment of our board members, tutors, families, volunteers, and donors. Your continued support allows us to open doors of opportunity for children with dyslexia—helping them discover not only the joy of reading but the confidence to succeed in all areas of life.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Burns Supper
It's that time again!!! The 2026 BURNS SUPPER will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at Coleman's Irish Pub,100 South Lowell Avenue, Syracuse, NY
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems and a famous Freemason. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year. Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, Masonic Lodges, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry.
Social Time will begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be buffet style and cost will be $47.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited. This event is open to all but seating is limited so make your reservation now! Kilts and other Tartan clothing are encouraged!!!
Please consider joining us for a fun filled evening! Just print & fill out the registration flyer that can be found on our website in the News section & Make your check out to the Central City Bodies AASR and mail to Richard Powell, 4717 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215. Be sure to write "KSA Burns Supper" in the memo area of your check. Reservations are due by January 1st, 2026.
Happy Thanksgiving
Family Celebrations are important to all of us. Thanksgiving is a festive time for Families to gather together to give thanks and blessings for the bounty we all enjoy.
Many college students are home for their first break from studies. Parents and Grandparents gather around the “Harvest Table” with their families for the traditional Thanksgiving Feast.
The Valley Office Staff; Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Jim Swan, Valley Secretary; on behalf of all Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Officers and Members in the Valley of Syracuse wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
May peace and goodwill be the toast of this special Day. Please take care when you travel to be with your families and have a safe Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
The Office
Blue Envelope Appeal
You recently received the annual “Blue Envelope Appeal” letter from Supreme Council requesting your annual contribution. I urge you to support this request. Any contribution you may make is significant because the number of members from a valley that contribute to the “Blue Envelope Appeal” directly impacts distribution of the Abbott Scholarship Funds and to the Valley’s ranking in the Supreme Council “Valley of Excellence” initiative.
Abbott Scholarships funded by Supreme Council, NMJ or a New York State Educational Financial Assistance Grant funded by the New York State Scottish Rite Charities Corporation are assisting fifty-three (53) students across the Jurisdiction of New York during the 2025-2026 academic year; Nine (9) are children or grandchildren of the Valley of Syracuse’s current and deceased members.
These young people are our future. We thank you for your support of the “Blue Envelope Appeal”.
Scholarships
Supreme Council. NMJ Abbott Scholarship and NY Council of Deliberation Scottish Rite Financial Education Financial Assistance applications are scheduled to be available on line in the coming weeks; normally prior to end of November 2025. Information received to date indicates one application for both scholarships will be used again this year.
The exact due date for the next year’s submittals is not confirmed to date. It is recommended that you plan to complete your applications and submit them to the Valley of Syracuse office no later than April 1, 2026.
Watch for notices from the Valley of Syracuse and the New York Council of Deliberation to be available on the Valley and NYCOD Web sites listed below or go on line to Supreme Council to answer your questions.
NY Council of Deliberation — www.nysccottishritemasons.org or Valley of Syracuse — www. syr-aasr.org
Be prepared!
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2026 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed direct to you from Supreme Council. There is a dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00). Please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.